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Working Visa Requirements

Do you plan on working in Australia? It’s important that you have the right health cover for your visa.

Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to start your dream career on a 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, moving to Australia with a specialised skill on a 482 Skills in Demans Visa or travelling the country on a 417 Working Holiday Visa, there are certain requirements your health cover needs to meet. 

Read our guide to working visa requirements, to ensure you’re ready to start this exciting new chapter of your life. 

man preparing work visa requirements

What work visas are available in Australia?

To work in Australia, you will require a work visa. There are several available, including:

Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482)

This temporary visa lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill. The visa is valid for up to four years. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)

A temporary work visa which can lead to permanent residency after 3 years from the time your visa is granted​. It's for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. 

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

A visa that allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. If eligible, visa-holders can become Australian citizens.

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)

A visa for foreign workers with highly specialised skills that are not generally available in Australia, undertaking non-ongoing work. It's valid for three months but can be extended to six months.  

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)

A temporary visa for those aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 years old for some countries) that allows them to travel and work in Australia for up to three years.

What are the steps to apply for an Australian working visa?

The steps you must follow to apply for an Australian working visa will be slightly different for each visa. 

In general, however, you should:

Determine your eligibility

Each working visa in Australia has its own eligibility requirements. For example, if you are applying for a visa that requires a skills assessment, you will need to ensure your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list. 

You will also need to demonstrate your English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE. 

Gather the required documents

It’s important that you submit all relevant documentation and information in your application to avoid delays in processing. These often include:

  • a valid passport
  • proof of qualifications and work experience
  • english language test results
  • skills assessment report (if applicable)
  • health and character documents, including proof of health cover

Apply for the visa

Submit your application online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website. 

Pay the application fee and provide all necessary documentation. 

If you need help with your application, reach out to a Registered Migration Agent. 

Wait for your visa decision

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and your circumstances. 

Plan your move

Now’s the exciting part! Once your visa is granted, make arrangements for accommodation, travel, and other logistics for your journey to Australia.

Start looking for work

There are a range of job search platforms in Australia to help you find work. You can also reach out to recruitment agencies or start networking to find job opportunities. 

Learn about Australian culture and lifestyle

If you’re looking for a helping hand as you navigate life in Australia, our Health and Wellbeing Blog has plenty of information to get you started. For example, it’s a good idea to brush up on your understanding of Australian workplace culture so you’re ready for your first day on the job.

Stay up-to-date

Make sure to check the latest information and specific requirements on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website, as immigration laws and policies can change. 

What health cover do I need on a working visa in Australia?

While Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) serves to provide international students with a basic level of health insurance coverage whilst they study in Australia, Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is specifically designed for international graduates, visitors and workers. If you are an international student on a subclass 500 visa looking to transition to a different visa, your OSHC will not cover you.

When applying for subclass 482, 485 or 417 visas, you must provide evidence of adequate health insurance ( visa condition 8501) for you and any additional applicants applying for the visa with you.

Who can be covered by OVHC?

Are your loved ones joining you on your move to Australia? They will require health cover too. The people covered under your OVHC will depend on the type of policy you have.

For example, a single policy will cover the primary visa holder only, while a multi-family policy provides cover for the primary visa holder, one adult spouse or de facto partner and one or more dependent children under the age of 18 years old. Once you’ve found the OVHC right for you, your Certificate of Insurance will clarify which policy you have purchased.

What does OVHC cover?

If you become sick or have an accident while you are here in Australia, Allianz Care OVHC will help you pay for your medical costs. Depending on your type of health cover, selecting between Budget Working Cover, Standard Working Cover, Mid Working Cover and Top Working Cover, you will be covered for varying benefits. 

Compare OVHC

Allianz Care offers a range of different OVHC options to suit your needs while ensuring you meet all the necessary visa requirements. Whether you require dental and optical benefits, cover for specialists and prescription medicines, or affordable in-hospital support, there is OVHC for you. 

Compare your options or contact us for additional support. 

What else will I need to work in Australia?

In addition to your working visa, you will require the following to work in Australia:

We are here to support you 

As an Allianz Care OVHC member, you will have access to support tailored to you and your needs as a worker in Australia. 

When it comes to looking for a healthcare professional that makes claiming easy, the find a doctor tool will locate a medical provider who can bill us directly. 

With OVHC Standard, Mid or Top coverage you can speak to a qualified Australian-based doctor 24/7 via phone or video call from the comfort of your home with Doctors on Demand. 

Meeting visa requirements can be an easy process. We look forward to supporting you as you start a new life here in Australia.